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A simple algebraic test applied to a specially constructed constant matrix is developed to test the semi‐definiteness property of symmetric functional matrices. The simplicity of the algebraic test makes it very suitable for computer implementation. The results are applied in the analysis of a class of nonlinear time‐varying singular RC networks. Robustness of the boundedness property of network response with respect to resistive elements is shown.

Sufficient conditions for bounded input‐bounded output (BIBO) stability are established for a class of time‐variable linear semi‐state systems. These conditions are expressed directly in terms of system parameters and reduce to testing of negative semi‐definiteness of a time‐varying matrix. Simple algebraic conditions convenient for the computer applications are derived for this purpose. It is shown how the results obtained can be applied in the analysis of linear time‐variable RLC electrical networks.

This chapter presents findings from a study into reading interests and habits of prisoners in six Croatian penitentiaries, and their perception and use of prison libraries. The study was conducted with the help of self-administered print survey. A total of 30% of prison population (male and female) in selected prisons was included in the study and a total of 504 valid questionnaires were returned (response rate of 81.3%). Findings indicate that reading is the respondents’ most popular leisure activity and that they read more now than before coming to prison. Respondents read more fiction than non-fiction. Most frequently they read crime novels, thrillers, and historical novels. To a lesser degree, they read religious literature, biographies, spiritual novels, social problem novels, self-help, war novels, science fiction, erotic novels, romances, spy novels and horrors. Respondents would like to read daily newspapers and magazines, and books about sport, health, travel, computers, hobbies, cookbooks, etc. Respondents have wide reading interests (both in relation to fiction and non-fiction) but they do not have access to them in their prison library. Respondents reported that reading makes their life in prison easier and their time in prison passes faster with books. Only about a quarter of respondents are satisfied with their prison library collection. Almost a fifth of respondents does not visit the library at all because it does not have anything they would like to find there: newspapers, modern literature, non-fiction, reading material for visually impaired and computers.